49ers land QB, take Kaepernick in 2nd round

Although he probably won't be the immediate starter, Kaepernick will be part of a new regime charged with restoring the storied franchise to prominence.

The 49ers followed up a perfect preseason last year by losing their first five games, finished 6-10 in the league's worst division and coach Mike Singletary was fired with one game left. San Francisco's brass hired away Harbaugh from just down the road in Stanford, handing him the reins to a franchise that hasn't had a winning season or reached the playoffs since 2002.

And inconsistency at quarterback might be the biggest reason why.

"He's got great gifts from mom, dad, God. He comes with the energy and the ability to think his way to success," Harbaugh said of Kaepernick. "So all those things and more are why we liked him."

The 49ers also showed signs they were headed toward a reunion with Smith when they bypassed quarterback prospects that could've made a more immediate impact. Instead, they took Missouri's Aldon Smith with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round to be a pass-rushing outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.

Aldon Smith was formally introduced at the team's practice facility earlier Friday, meeting with coaches and the few players in the building. He was set to fly back to New York immediately, then Missouri before returning to the Bay Area.

Smith made enough of an impression at Missouri's pro day because the 49ers flew him out for a private workout before the draft. He had dinner with Harbaugh and was even given a 50-question test that included everything from football history to field dimensions.

Apparently, he passed.

"It's been amazing," he said. "Five hours of sleep. Ever since my name got called I've been busy. I'm enjoying every bit of it."